The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo, was diagnosed with lung cancer (Lung Adenocarcinoma). According to a published report, surgery was performed on Tuesday at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, during which a lower lobe lesion from the right side of the lung was removed, lasting about 90 minutes.
In a medical bulletin released by the Vatican, it was confirmed that he developed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, which is a common type of lung cancer. The medical team suspected this illness even before the operation, and the diagnosis was finally confirmed through the analysis of tissue samples taken during the surgical intervention.
After the procedure, the Vatican announced that the operation was successful and showed no complications. The Pope regained consciousness and is currently hospitalized, although more detailed information about his health condition has not been disclosed.
Pope Leo arrived at the Gemelli Hospital from the Vatican on Tuesday around one p.m. local time. This hospital is located approximately nine kilometers from the Vatican. Before reaching the hospital, he was seen in a black SUV greeting people who wished him a speedy recovery.
According to Vatican information, Pope Leo may need to remain in the hospital for about a week. Due to his health condition, all planned public events until October 20 have been canceled.
Pope Leo became the head of the Catholic Church after elections held by cardinals worldwide in May 2025. He was born in 1955 in Chicago, USA, under the name Robert Priovost. Before becoming Pope, he served for many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru.
The 71-year-old Pope is interested in sports, especially tennis. Reports indicate that he is not known to be a smoker, and there have been no serious recent public concerns regarding his health. His predecessor, Pope Francis, underwent treatment in hospitals in his final years multiple times. Pope Francis passed away in April 2025 at the age of 88.
Pope Leo has previously faced serious illnesses. In 1985, while serving as a young priest in Chulcunas, Peru, he contracted typhoid fever. He had to be hospitalized then. In an interview published in a book, he spoke about severe pain during the illness and prayed to God for relief from suffering.
Pope Leo plans an 11-day trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6th to 17th. However, further information about his upcoming plans and travels will depend on his current health status. There are about 1.4 billion followers of the Catholic Church worldwide. In the event of the Pope's illness, there is no direct successor to take over his duties, although the administrative work of the Vatican continues.